Volunteers help open resource center at The Oaks

Volunteer Judy Powell talks with Francine Sprigel, community services coordinator for the city of Thousand Oaks, at the Conejo Connections Resource Center. The center opened recently; a grand opening is scheduled for April 9.

Ventura County Star

Volunteer Judy Powell answers a question from Maggie Doppel, of Thousand Oaks, on where to recycle fluorescent light tubes.

Ventura County Star

The Conejo Connections Resource Center is now open at The Oaks shopping center in Thousand Oaks. Volunteers at the center answer questions and provide information about community and social services in the Conejo Valley.

Ventura County Star

The group of volunteers found at The Oaks shopping center Tuesday through Sunday are there to help. But don't ask them about the latest sales. The volunteers are part of the Conejo Connections Resource Center and their job is to dispense advice on community and social services in the Conejo Valley.

This month, the resource center opened on the lower level of the mall near the food court. A grand opening is scheduled April 9.

In the first week, volunteer Judy Powell helped a new mother find Mommy and Me classes and helped a hiker find senior-friendly trails.

"It was so much fun to be able to help someone," Powell said.

The resource center came about after results from a community survey showed that many seniors would find such a center helpful. Although the center is senior-focused, anyone can stop by with questions. A group of teen volunteers help man the center, too.

Maggie Doppel, of Thousand Oaks, happened to pass by the resource center last week and wanted to find out where to recycle her fluorescent light tubes.

Powell gave Doppel a City Hall number to call to find out times and locations of recycling centers.

Volunteers are trained to answer questions about housing, volunteer opportunities, recreation, transportation and a host of other social services.

Organizers say The Oaks is an ideal location for the resource center because of the foot traffic.

"This is where the public goes," said Cindy Powers, director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. "And City Hall can be a bit intimidating."

On most Fridays, Forrest Frields is there to volunteer and he is anything but intimidating.

"I'm a perennial volunteer," said Frields, a retired photographer. "I always said if my wife could work I'd just volunteer. I'm a people person. I just like to help people."

The Conejo Connections Resource Center is open from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

For more information about the resource center or to volunteer, call Stephanie Caffee at 805-497-0189.